Lizard Island is a national park. It's a secluded place that measures 21 km² and it is surrounded by Osprey Island, Seabird Islet, South Island and Palfrey Island. Lizard Island is of historical importance to Australia, as it was visited by Captain Cook. There are 23 fantastic beaches, which are among the best ones on the Great Barrier Reef. The island has great swimming, snorkeling, diving, walking and fishing, as it is only 15 km from the outer edge of the reef. The resort on the island is quite expensive and children under the age of six are not allowed in.
The resort has a wide range of sports facilities, including a lit tennis court and a swimming pool. The use of water-sports equipment is included in the tariff, but boat trips cost extra. The resort does not welcome non-tariff-paying visitors, so if you want to camp on the island you will have to be entirely self-sufficient, you even have to bring your own water.
Diving can be practiced right off the beach, but it isn't cheap. Another popular activity is heavy-tackle fishing, particularly between September and December. The island got its name from the huge lizards that live there. Other animals that roam the island include five species of snakes, a small colony of bats and more than 40 species of birds.
Almost all the guests to the resort on Lizard Island arrive there by air from Cairns. The only other possibility to get there is to join a cruise that anchors offshore and stays for a night or two. Lizard is one of the most popular anchorages along the Great Barrier Reef. There is no regular shipping or ferry service. Lizard Island is 240 km from Cairns.
Travel Guides for Lizard Island
Find a flight to Lizard Island